An Introduction to Iyengar Yoga
Who is BKS Iyengar?
BKS Iyengar is recognized as one of the world's foremost exponents of yoga. Over a period of more than 75 years, he has developed a remarkably innovative and inspired approach to classical yoga.
Through his own vigorous practice, careful study of the earliest available texts,  and instructions to hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world, he has reached back to the roots of yoga and brought forth a revitalization of this ancient knowledge. He has methodically practised each yoga asana (posture), pinpointing its purpose and discovering how it works, so that each individual part of the body may function to its full potential.
What is Iyengar Yoga?
One of Mr Iyengar's biggest contributions has been to demystify yoga by demonstrating that yoga is open to all regardless of age, race, creed, social background and infirmity. He emphasises that yoga is not a religious cult, is not concerned with supernatural acts or exhibitionism and describes yoga as an art, a science, and a philosophy. At the age of 89, living in Pune, India, he actively continues practising, researching and exploring the intricacies of the discipline, while inspiring and advising his students who visit him from all parts of the world.
Prashant, Geeta, Guruji 
The term 'Iyengar Yoga' was coined by Mr Iyengar's pupils to distinguish his teaching from that of others. In the Iyengar tradition emphasis is placed on precision and alignment in all asanas, whether they are standing, sitting, twisting, inverted, forward bending, backward bending or supine postures. This attention to detail enables the muscles, organs and the breath to function optimally and the mind to focus. Thus, yoga, unlike stretching and other forms of exercise, is not purely physical, but also works physiologically and psychologically.
The practice of Iyengar Yoga teaches concentration on any subject of one's choice. It develops one's discriminative faculty enabling the differentiation of the essential from the incidental, thereby creating not only physical poise but also mental peace, intellectual clarity and emotional equanimity. Thus, by the practice of yoga, a dancer can become a better dancer; a scientist, a better scientist; a manager, a better manger; a musician, a better musician. The master violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who was instrumental in bringing BKS Iyengar to the west, acknowledged his guru not as his best yoga teacher but his best violin teacher!
 In the Iyengar system, classical yoga asanas (postures) are taught, aided, when necessary by various props. This innovative use of "props" - belts, bricks, benches, chairs (and others) has made yoga accessible to everyone regardless of age, flexibility or infirmity. Mr. Iyengar explains, "The yoga asana practised with props is unique in that it is the only form of exercise which allows both action and relaxation simultaneously. It activates the muscles, tones the body's organs and relieves undue mental and physical stress and strain.
Props help to increase flexibility and stamina and, at the same time, relax sick and tired muscles. They help to rejuvenate the entire body, without increasing physical fatigue." BKS Iyengar has also relentlessly researched and experimented with a large range of medical problems and worked closely with cardiologists, immunologists and orthopedists in the evolution of his therapeutic application of yoga.
Why choose Iyengar Yoga?
- Precise and measured
- Methodical and systematic
- Balanced postures
- Improved stamina
- Therapeutic
- Accessible
- Strong guidance
Teacher qualifications
Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers have been attending Iyengar Yoga classes for at least 3 years before intensively training for 3 to 5 years and once certified are required to have ongoing training.
A safe learning environment
Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers are knowledgeable and experienced; they have completed courses in anatomy, physiology and first aid.
What are the benefits of Iyengar Yoga?
Practising Iyengar Yoga regularly can:
- Increase flexibility, agility and coordination;
- Tone, firm and strengthen muscles;
- Improve posture;
- Improve circulation;
- Balance the functioning of organs and glands;
- Regulate weight control;
- Increase stamina and endurance;
- Relieve many back, neck, and other health problems;
- Enhance performance in sport and other physical activities;
- Improve concentration and mental clarity;
- Reduce stress and teach relaxation; and
- Create a feeling of confidence and well being.
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